Health Reform Consultation on Track

March 19, 1999 - The Ministry of Health in its continuing effort of providing quality health care to Saint Lucians earlier this year embarked on a number of consultations island wide with a view to seeking a participatory approach to health care.

The main objectives of the health reform process are to improve the management systems, practices and operations of the health care sector as well as strengthening the relationship between the Ministry of Health, non government organisations and the private sector to improve health service delivery.

Thursday residents of Canaries met to dialogue with health officials on their concerns and made recommendations for the way forward. By the end of this month, the first part of the process will be completed and "A White Paper" – a summary of all the public contributions will be presented to the government for scrutiny and approval.

Notwithstanding this, Dr. St. Catherine has already given government’s assurance in dealing with some of the short term problems.

The mission of the Health Sector Reform is to ensure that there is a sustained process of updating systems, procedures, management and delivery of health care services throughout the country.

It has been stressed time and time again that the process of health sector reform is not the job of government alone. Rather, the reforms must come from those who will be most affected by the process. A lot of time is therefore being devoted through stakeholders and community consultations to get in right and every citizen is encouraged to participate in this process.

The theme for the Health Sector Reform is "Bringing Quality Health Services to the people."

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